Obstetrical parameters influencing the duration of the second stage of labor.

Objective: To investigate the impact of parameters influencing the duration of the second stage of labor in vaginal deliveries.

Study Design: 1200 consecutive vaginal deliveries were analyzed. Descriptive statistics are reported for parity, duration of first and second stage of labor, maternal age, birth weight, position of the fetal head, epidural analgesia and oxytocin augmentation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the contribution of different variables to the length of the second stage of labor.

Results: The mean length of the second stage was 70 min. In univariate analysis, parity, oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia, as well as occipito-posterior presentation were significant parameters associated with a prolonged second stage of labor. No correlation was found for birth weight and maternal age. In multivariate regression analysis, nulliparity and epidural analgesia were the strongest risk factors for a prolonged second stage.

Conclusions: The impact of epidural analgesia on the second stage of labor should be considered in obstetrical management.